Today marks a proud and momentous occasion for Damola Adamolekun, who has officially taken the reins as CEO of Red Lobster. Adamolekun’s journey from enjoying his first Red Lobster meal as a 9-year-old in Springfield, Illinois, to leading one of America’s most iconic restaurant chains is not only an attestation to his personal achievement but a reflection of the potential for transformative leadership. With over 30,000 dedicated team members, millions of loyal fans across North America, and a legacy spanning 55 years, Red Lobster has found a leader who is deeply connected to its brand and poised to guide it into a new era.
But as we celebrate Adamolekun’s ascent to this position, it’s also important to acknowledge a broader pattern that often emerges in corporate America: the appointment of Black CEOs to helm companies during challenging periods, often when those businesses are facing financial or operational hurdles. Red Lobster, like many other well-known brands, has encountered its share of difficulties in a competitive restaurant industry that has seen shifting consumer habits, increased costs, and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adamolekun’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company, and his leadership is undoubtedly aimed at steering Red Lobster through a period of renewal. Yet, the timing also speaks to a phenomenon where Black executives are frequently brought in to lead during moments of crisis—a pattern commonly referred to as the “glass cliff.” Unlike the “glass ceiling,” where marginalized groups face barriers to ascending into leadership roles, the glass cliff places them in precarious positions where failure is a distinct possibility due to the challenges they inherit.
This trend reflects deeper, structural issues in corporate America, where diversity in leadership often comes hand in hand with expectations of turnaround strategies or navigating turbulent times. While such opportunities signal trust in these leaders’ abilities to effect change, they can also set them up for disproportionately high levels of scrutiny, as they are expected to “fix” problems often created long before their tenure.
Adamolekun is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. Before his appointment at Red Lobster, he played a pivotal role as a partner at Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster’s backer, guiding the company through key phases of its evolution. His track record of expertise in financial investment and strategic leadership uniquely qualifies him to take on the challenge of restoring Red Lobster’s position as a beloved American brand. Still, his appointment highlights a systemic issue: the rarity of seeing Black executives leading companies during prosperous times.
It’s important to recognize that while Adamolekun’s leadership undoubtedly signals a new chapter for Red Lobster, it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on how and when Black leaders are given the chance to step into CEO roles. For true equity in corporate leadership, diversity should be embraced not just in times of crisis but also when businesses are thriving.
Today, we celebrate Adamolekun’s achievement as the new CEO of Red Lobster, recognizing his deep connection to the brand and his commitment to restoring its iconic status. But we must also consider the context in which this leadership change occurs, using this moment to push for broader diversity in leadership across all sectors, in good times and bad. As Adamolekun said in his announcement, “Let’s do this.” Indeed, it’s time for corporate America to fully embrace the potential of diverse leadership—not only when things need fixing but when they are flourishing too.
Congratulations, Damola Adamolekun. Here’s to a bright future at the helm of Red Lobster.